Director of Total Rewards

About Sonida Senior Living

Sonida Senior Living is one of the nation’s leading operators of independent living, assisted living and memory care communities for senior adults. The Company operates 165 communities that are home to nearly 12,000 residents across 35 states providing comfortable, safe, affordable communities where residents can form friendships, enjoy new experiences and receive personalized care from dedicated team members who treat them family.

Job Description:

The Director of Total Rewards leads Sonida’s compensation and benefits strategy and builds programs that help us attract and keep great people. This role keeps those programs within budget and in line with legal and company requirements, and watches market trends to recommend smart improvements.  

Responsibilities:

• Strategy and Planning 
  
  
  
  • Partners with the management team to develop a compensation philosophy and benefits package that supports our business goals. 
  
  
  • Benchmarks pay and benefits against the market, industry trends, and best practices, and brings forward ideas to keep us competitive. 
  
  
  • Advises senior leaders on compensation questions and role or job changes within teams. 
  
  
  
  


• Compensation Programs 
  
  
  
  • Oversees market pricing, job leveling, and the annual salary review process. 
  
  
  • Administers incentive plans and remuneration programs. 
  
  
  
  


• Benefits and Self-Funded Plan Management  
  
  
  
  • Leads the strategy, funding approach, and day-to-day oversight of our self-funded medical plan. 
  
  
  • Manages the relationship with our benefits broker, including performance reviews, fee transparency, and RFPs. 
  
  
  • Oversees third-party administrators and the pharmacy benefit manager, including contract terms, service levels, and claims audits. 
  
  
  • Selects and renews stop-loss coverage, and tracks specific and aggregate attachment points. 
  
  
  • Builds and updates claims projections, monitors claims experience and high-cost claimants, and reports on trends and drivers. 
  
  
  • Develops annual plan budgets and renewal forecasts, including reserve and funding rate recommendations. 
  
  
  • Recommends plan design changes and cost containment strategies that balance employee value with financial sustainability. 
  
  
  • Oversees the annual open enrollment process and related employee communications. 
  
  
  
  


• Vendors and Budget 
  
  
  
  • Evaluates and selects data vendors, consultants, brokers, and advisors, and negotiates contracts that balance competitiveness with cost control. 
  
  
  • Keeps all compensation and benefits programs within budget. 
  
  
  
  


• Compliance and Governance 
  
  
  
  • Ensures programs meet all regulatory standards and statutes, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and required filings and reporting.  
  
  
  • Supports benefits committee and plan governance activities.  
  
  
  
  


• Team Leadership 
  
  
  
  • Manages and develops the Benefits Coordinator, providing clear direction, regular feedback, and growth opportunities. 
  
  
  • Partners with the coordinator to deliver a smooth open enrollment and a great employee experience year-round. 
  
  
  
  

Knowledge:

Education and Experience: 

• 7+ years of experience in the area(s) of project management and/or executive support. 


• Familiarity with maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion. 


• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, human resources, communication or job-related area of study required. 

Skill/ knowledge requirements: 

• Ability to foster teamwork. Leadership skills. Oral and written communication skills. Analytical thinking skills. Statistical knowledge. Ability to meet deadlines. Mathematical skills. 


• Ability to recognize and communicate problems appropriately 


• Ability to communicate proficiently in English, verbally and in writing 


• Ability to travel within the United States by both airplane and automobile as needed 


• Ability to organize their time, follow-up with the ability to perform job tasks efficiently 


• Demonstrates team player with a positive attitude 


• Ability to maintain accurate records and provide information as requested and required